Pulsating technology

Volvo’s Drive-E D5 twin-turbo diesel engine features an ingenious anti-lag system called PowerPulse.

Turbo lag. If the term is unfamiliar, there’s a high chance you have still encountered this common powertrain affliction.

This is the experience with many turbocharged engines, when there’s a delay between the driver pressing the throttle and the engine responding as it waits for the turbine to supply its performance boost.

Volvo’s D5 twin-turbocharged four-cylinder diesel engine, however, features an ingenious solution. It combines an electrically driven compressor and a pressurised air tank to ensure immediate, on-demand acceleration.

When the driver requests rapid momentum by pressing harder on the throttle pedal, compressed air from the tank is released into the exhaust system feeding the turbo to quicken response.

And because Volvo’s Drive-E powertrains are engineered to deliver efficient power, the PowerPulse technology is a performance benefit that doesn’t come at the expense of fuel consumption.

The D5 twin-turbo diesel engine with PowerPulse is currently available on Volvo’s 90-series models, including the XC90, S90, and forthcoming V90 Cross Country.

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I Roll

Volvo is Latin for 'I roll' and was originally trademarked in 1915 with ball bearing production in mind. But 18 million cars later, Volvo has come to mean much more.

Volvo started making cars in 1927 because we believed nobody else was making them strong enough or safe enough for Swedish roads. Along the way we’ve come up with dozens of innovations, some of which have changed the world. And it’s this proud history that continues our drive forward to the next great Volvo Cars idea.